Sunday Night at the Birmingham Hippodrome tribute to Midland actor and producer Ian Sandy

A host of showbiz names are to come together for a unique evening of entertainment to celebrate the life of the late Ian Sandy in Sunday Night at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Ian who had been the company manager of the annual Birmingham Hippodrome panto for 22 years died aged 48 in December last year after after a short illness.

The line-up for the event, supported by local paper The Birmingham Mail and radio station Heart FM, includes past panto stars of the Hippodrome including comedian and actor Brian Conley, the hilarious New Faces winner Joe Pasquale, actress Lynda Bellingham, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and children’s favourite Basil Brush the posh fox.

Others set to appear include Don Maclean, Ceri Dupree, Kathryn Rooney and Birmingham’s favourite raconteur and comedian Malcolm Stent, along with sitcom star Jeffrey Holland and panto regulars Nigel Ellacott, Andrew Ryan and Martin Ramsdin.

Ian Sandy’s theatre school, BSS Showbiz, the Birmingham Stage School and the Hippodrome Dancers & Orchestra add a touch of glamour to the evening.

Ian Sandy was born on the 6th of March 1964 in Smethwick, Birmingham. He became well known in the area as an actor, producer, entrepreneur, public speaker and a promoter of new talent. His first stage role was as in the lead role of Billy Bunter, aged 7.

After leaving Birmingham Stage School he worked moved into the holiday centre industry, for Haven this lead to entertainments manager and later a senior position within the company. Other ventures include the overseeing of many Pantomimes in Birmingham as well as a Panto Roadshow.

Ian died at the Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, on December the 23rd last year. We’re told he was in the very early stages of plotting to revive cult Midlands soap opera Crossroads for a Midlands theatre audience.

The Sunday Night at the Birmingham Hippodrome tribute to Ian Sandy will benefit his favourite charities: Cancer Research UK, Help Harry Help Others, Macmillan Cancer Support, Midlands Air Ambulance and the RSPCA.